New Media and E-science

Programme Description

The New Media and E-Science programme comprises the acquisition of top knowledge and skills in the area of new media and e-science for problem-oriented training in the field of technology and knowledge transfer. The new media include modern computer systems, telecommunication systems, internet networks, multimedia services, as well as the media and technologies of the new economy. E-science explores the use of networks and high-capacity computer resources for computer-aided management and knowledge transfer, and the analysis of extensive databases and data warehouses, resulting from scientific research in the area of physics, medicine, biology, biochemistry and pharmacology, industrial process control, as well as social sciences (sociology), economic and other sciences. The aim of this programme is to equip the students for the implementation, use and transfer of advanced knowledge, new media and technologies to e-science, for the development of complex technical and industrial applications, as well as for leading managerial functions in business, administration and scientific management.

Basic Objectives of the Programme

The basic objectives of the programme are to qualify the candidate for:

independent or team research and development work,

work on applied projects in industry,

mastering the methods and techniques of scientific research,

international integration of research and development work,

resolving issues associated with the transfer and adaptation of new technologies,

performing management functions in business, administration, conducting research, and in research management.

Research Areas

The main part of this programme will be implemented by the staff of Jožef Stefan Institute (particularly the staff of the research departments involved in computer science, information technologies, electronics, automation and telecommunications) and also by foreign lecturers. The integration of the educational programme into the research activity of Jožef Stefan Institute is shown in the research programmes which can be summarized as follows:

Computer Structures and Systems: This research programme deals with the development and application of modern computer systems, particularly the embedded systems and processor architectures. The objectives are focused on the topical issues of synthesis, verification and testing.

Parallel and Distributed Systems: This programme involves the exploration of the effects of various communication methods on the time complexity of parallel computing procedures. It also includes the development of applicable methods for secure information protocols which cover a wide range from ensuring people’s privacy to the security and reliability of digitally distributed systems.

Knowledge Technologies: This field of the programme involves knowledge capture and management, data analysis (databases, texts, world wide web), support to decision-making, language technologies, and applications of knowledge technologies in medicine, ecology, production, business operations and management.

Intelligent Systems: The research programme is based on analyses, design and introduction of intelligent methods into contemporary computer and telecommunication systems. The basic scientific orientation is the analysis and synthesis of new algorithms and/or procedures on the basis of mathematical and other formal knowledge and skills.

Automatics, Robotics and Biocybernetics: The programme comprises research into motion in man and in machines with the aim of developing new production systems and technologies on the one hand, and new medical devices, methods and techniques on the other hand. The objective of this programme is the so-called humane production, the fundamental building blocks of which are humanoid robots or biorobots and the related technologies.

Telecommunication systems: The subject of research is algorithms for the transfer and processing of digital signals in telecommunication networks. The objectives include the search for optimal links in multi-level networks, new procedures for optimal resource allocation, automatic creation and testing of services in intelligent networks, and network security, reliability and interoperability.

Open Computer Systems and Networks: The focus of our activities is research and development of open computer systems and broadband networks, as well as the research and study of security and multimedia services and applications in the mentioned systems and networks.

System Control Technologies: The aim of this research programme is to obtain new knowledge and skills which will form the basis for the conception of higher-quality and higher-capacity control systems, and significantly contribute to increasing process efficiency in their planning, construction and utilization.

Years 1 and 2

The selection of courses is based on the credit framework. The candidate shall collect 60 credits from the organized form of lectures and 60 credits from individual work in research. The candidate can also obtain credits from other related study programmes at the local or foreign institutions of higher education with prior consent of the Senate.

Years 3 and 4

In years 3 and 4, the candidates who continue with doctoral studies shall carry out individual research work intended for the preparation of their doctoral dissertations.